Every year BIFF has been able to attract ever strong film submissions to present to our audiences. The competition is tougher each year. BIFFY award winners represent the very best in feature length narrative and documentaries, short films, both from the Wisconsin/Illinois region to international submissions.

We're proud of our association with these exceptional films and filmmakers. Congratulations to you all.

Welcome filmmakers! We have experienced ourselves and work to share with others the power of film. We work hard to attract and present the very best in independent filmmaking that we can. We invite and appreciate your participation and strive to be your favorite film festival.

Filmmaker & Actor Workshops

BIFF Announces Appointment of First Artist-in-Residence

Damien Patrik

The Beloit International Film Festival will celebrate the art of filmmaking and help inspire a new generation of artists this year with the establishment of the post of BIFF Artist-in-Residence.

Damien Patrik, a familiar figure at BIFF with his warm demeanor and mane of white hair, will be the first filmmaker to serve in this capacity. A film producer, director and BIFF participant for years, Patrik received the Ken Hendrick’s Award for Excellence in 2016, recognizing his body of work and passion for filmmaking.

He will speak twice during BIFF and will work with young potential filmmakers in the Help Yourself after-school program at Beloit College.

BIFF 2018 Workshops

Saturday Feb. 24th, 2:30 pm

Manipulation U

Presented by: Damien Patric

How do filmmakers manipulate (in a good way, of course) you, the audience into feeling and thinking and being MOVED while watching their work?

In this workshop Director Damien Patrik will show examples and discuss just how filmmakers use lighting, costume, texture, composition, editing, music, sound, camera movement and more in ways that get you feeling the way they want you to feel, think the way they want you to think, and take on the perspective of a character in the film.

Be prepared-you’ll never be able to watch a film again strictly in unconscious mode, you’ll be paying attention to the director and how he helps you to understand the story, and most importantly, the people, in his work.

Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
625 3rd. St. Beloit

FREEOnline registration being given preference. Then first come first serve at the door.

Acting Class

Presented by: Bates Wilder

Mastery through fun and re-evaluation of ‘simple process.’ The power of positives and recognition of the values of physicality. Also a proper approach to the awareness of the physical self without the disaster of ‘distraction.

Bates Wilder

Bates Wilder has been acting professionally for the past 35 years and is thrilled to be included in the Belioit IFF. He’s a proud father of five, acting teacher, coach, stage manager, and writer. He’s also a prolific bird house builder. (Many of which you may have seen scattered throughout the film, “tater tot and Patton”.). His film credits include, “joy“, “Over there“, “Burning woman“, “Detroit“, “ Mulberry Tree“, and many others.

Television credits include showtimes’ “brotherhood”, also “Unsolved mysteries“, “America’s most wanted“, “The Spirit of Christmas”, “Lockdown”, “Sins of the Preacher” to name a few.

With a true passion for the art of acting he has dedicated many years to teaching and coaching The craft. Bates has numerous theater credits and a few awards for the same to boot.

If you’d like to be part of his acting discussion page, you’re welcome to, and please join ‘Bates Wilder Acting Studio’ on Facebook!“

The Casting Process for Actors and Directors

Presented by: Damien Patrik

Patrik brings a wealth of experience to his workshops on “The Casting Process for Actors and Directors.” He offers the unique perspective gained from years of participation in auditions as an actor, as a casting director, and over the past decade, as the producer.

“Choose the right actors for your project, and your esteem as a director grows,” he says. “Choose the wrong ones and you could be seen as the next Ed Wood” referring to the Hollywood outcast director who persevered with little commercial success.

His fast-paced interactive workshop focuses on why casting is so important to a director’s success. “How to do it in a way where you attract the best talent and create a space for them to do their best work. Actors will learn how to take control of their auditions, showcase their talent, and get hired.”

During the workshops, there will be an opportunity for several actors to participate in live auditions/interviews.

Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
625 3rd. St. Beloit

FREEOnline registration being given preference. Then first come first serve at the door.